2013 dodge challenger Model Overview

Overall Rating:

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3 of 5

Sum Up

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The 2013 Dodge Challenger is a modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car. Unlike the unrefined pony cars of yesteryear, the Challenger features the fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology, and build-quality expected in a contemporary coupe. The Challenger comes in three trims: base, R/T, and SRT8.

New For 2013

The Challenger most likely ditches its geriatric 5A transmission for Chrysler’s new 8A, which should be available with all three engines: a 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, and 6.4-liter V-8. The 2013 model year may be the end of the line for the Challenger; rumor has it the next-generation will be a leaner, meaner model named the SRT Barracuda.

Exterior

The 2013 Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that needs no introduction as its powerful exterior radiates heritage. The Challenger is a big car, just two inches shorter than the Charger but wider and lower. It also measures about nine inches longer than the Ford Mustang and seven inches longer than the Chevrolet Camaro.

The maximum width carries out well to give it a muscle car look. The very wide horizontal grilles, spoilers, and tail lamps highlight the width. The proportions look right, from the carrier-deck expanse of the flat hood to the foot-high side glass and dark lower body trim, and into the massive rear roof pillars.

It includes four round lamp units and the deeply inset grille of the original Challenger, however, the inside lights are the turn signals and the outer pair the headlamps. It has standard Halogen headlamps for illuminating the road.

The available hood scoops carry Hemi badges on V-8 cars as they feed cool air in or warm air vents to the atmosphere, but they do not feed cold air straight into the engine. The ducts in the spoiler direct cooling air to the front brakes and small winglets at the front wheel openings to better refine airflow.

It has fixed side rear windows with frameless doors. A bright fuel filler cap on the R/T and SRT8 392 stand out. The door handles look retro and stylish, but they are hard to grab.

At the rear end sits a full-width panel of red lights with a pair of backup lights wedged in the middle, along with chrome DODGE lettering in a font right out of the 1970s. The signature rear spoiler is a flat black, low-profile piece on the SRT8 392. V-8 models have dual chrome rectangular exhaust outlets in the lower bumper.

The paintwork on these cars looks very well done. The paint feels smooth to the touch and looks great. The Challenger has modern wheels with classic attitude and rims between 18 and 20 inches.

Interior & Cargo

Enough space remains between the driver and the windshield to avoid forward blind spots. The steering wheel comes equipped with integrated speed and audio controls.

The 2013 Dodge Challenger has illuminated cup holders that help in navigating the interior of the car at night. To preserve the concealed feeling, the headliner and almost everything is dark. The front seats are contrast-stitched, heavily bolstered buckets in the SRT8 392, and with their leather outers and velour inserts, they do an excellent job of keeping the driver in place. The rear seat feels quite comfortable and more spacious than most would expect, but back-seat riders get only moderate legroom.

The gauges include fuel on the left, a tachometer, a speedometer, and numbered coolant temperature. All of the gauges are light-faced with dark numbers, and at night, they have blue-green illumination that matches the various digital displays.

The Challenger has huge trunk space at more than 16 cubic feet, which matches the Dodge Charger and Audi’s A5 coupe and clearly betters the Mustang and Camaro.

The available ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System uses ultrasonic sensors to detect nearby objects behind the vehicle when in reverse and to help maneuver in tight spaces at parking speeds. A graphic display in the instrument cluster tells how close the object is.

The all-speed traction control helps maintain traction and stability by applying brake pressure to slipping wheels and reducing engine power when necessary. The Challenger also includes reactive head restraints, airbags, and crumple zones. Crumple zones are designed to absorb the force of an impact and help keep the structure of the car together in the event of an accident.

Driving Experience

The standard 2013 Dodge Challenger comes with a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine. The Challenger R/T features a Hemi V-8 engine that produces 375 horsepower, and it also features a firmer suspension, bigger brakes and tires, and a choice of a hefty-shifting six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The R/T accelerates quite well, reaching zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. In sixth gear, the R/T cruises with 1800 rpm at 80 mph.

The SRT8 392 can cover the quarter-mile in the high 12-second range, and the manual transmission runs past 170 mph at top speed. The torque really makes the SRT8 392 leap forward when pushed, in a way that couldn’t be felt in the first SRT8 Challengers.

Very good traction control turns controlled wheelspin into thrust. The SRT8’s big brakes do an admirable job of slowing the speed. However, it does not start braking immediately as it needs to be pushed a few times for a quick stop.

The Challenger is too big and heavy and not ideal for tossing around on tight racetracks or mountain roads. However, it moves impressively well given its size and weight.

The ride quality in the SRT8 392 is better with the new dampers. The steering isn’t as precise as the Mustang’s, but it is quick enough. Maneuverability at low speeds hits par for a big car.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Dodge Challenger

2013 Dodge Challenger Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$26,295

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$19,625

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Units Affected

435081

Recall ID#13V103000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Consequence

A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.

Remedy

Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

2013 Dodge Challenger News and Reviews

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